United “ready to accept” defeat in Carlos Baleba pursuit, attention to shift to new targets – reports

Manchester United need midfield reinforcements this summer, but as per a recent report, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba might not be coming.

The Seagulls are set to demand a British transfer record fee, but that had not deterred Ruben Amorim from demanding INEOS to sign the Cameroonian.

His ball-winning capability, and potential to improve, was a huge draw for the head coach but as per Talksport, the Red Devils are ready to accept defeat.

United always knew it would be difficult, but they wanted to take a chance given Manchester City’s interest in the midfielder with plenty of other teams expected to join the bidding war next year.

Brighton won’t sell

Brighton owner Tony Bloom does not want to lose the 21-year-old this summer, and unless the Red Devils get some sort of encouragement that Brighton will come to the negotiating table, they will not pursue this matter any further.

“Manchester United are ready to accept Carlos Baleba is not for sale this summer, talkSPORT understands.

“United remain keen to sign Baleba but are unlikely to make any formal approach to Brighton unless they are given encouragement the Seagulls are open to offers.

“As previously reported, Brighton owner Tony Bloom wants to keep Baleba for at least one more season.”

The same has also been confirmed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

British record fee

“The level of money they have indicated it would take to consider a deal — around the £115million Chelsea spent on Moises Caicedo — is beyond what United are willing to pay in the current market.

🚨 Man Utd not planning to proceed with Carlos Baleba move this summer. Indirect + direct contact between clubs but Brighton clear not for sale & level of fee to consider deal too high. 21yo midfielder keen on #MUFC but not unhappy at #BHAFC @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/PrsYxEk94g

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 15, 2025

“It is anticipated, therefore, that a deal now will not materialise.”

And by Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that United will now target alternate options.

“Manchester United made official and formal contact with Brighton today for Carlos Baleba, as expected. Clear answer from BHAFC: no intention to sell, not even indicating a price for this summer.

Alternate targets

“Man United now expected to turn attention to different targets,” the Italian wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

🚨 Manchester United made official and formal contact with Brighton today for Carlos Baleba, as expected.

Clear answer from #BHAFC: no intention to sell, not even indicating a price for this
summer.

Man United now expected to turn attention to different targets. pic.twitter.com/l0QQguSJ2S

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2025

The Cameroon international was open to a move, but he is not expected to agitate for an exit this summer.

What this means for the 20-time English league champions remains to be seen. They have already loaned out Toby Collyer, which means they are now light on options.

INEOS have lined up alternatives like Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP, and Mateus Fernandes of Southampton.

Douglas Luiz of Juventus would be a low-cost operation.

Feature image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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